Bhubaneswar, Sept 26: Not 10 or 20, but nearly 250 patients visit the Medicine Department of BMC Hospital every day, putting immense pressure on the lone medicine specialist currently handling the department.
The hospital, one of the oldest healthcare facilities in the capital city, is facing an acute shortage of doctors across several departments. The situation has raised concerns among patients as well as hospital authorities.
One Doctor for 250 Patients
The Medicine Department previously had more doctors to manage the growing patient load. A doctor from Capital Hospital was brought on deputation after the number of patients increased. Later, another senior doctor was assigned to the department, taking the total strength to three.
However, the doctor posted on deputation was promoted a few months ago, while the senior doctor has now stopped attending the hospital. With no fresh appointments, the number of doctors in the department has gradually declined.
To cope with the shortage, the hospital authorities had engaged a retired medicine specialist on a contractual basis. However, the doctor has now been relieved following health department directions citing advanced age.
As a result, the entire patient load has fallen on the remaining medicine specialist, further increasing the pressure on the department.
Paediatrics Department Faces Similar Crisis
The Paediatrics Department is also facing a similar shortage. Currently, only one doctor is available, while another senior doctor has been given temporary responsibility.
However, there are allegations that the senior doctor remains absent on most days. With one doctor unable to attend to all patients, the department faces serious difficulties in managing the daily workload.
If the regular doctor falls ill or is unavailable, the paediatrics department is effectively left without a doctor, sources said.
Pregnant women and children from areas including Old Bhubaneswar, Kapilaprasad, Sundarpada, Ebaranga, Azadnagar and Sriramnagar regularly visit the hospital. In the absence of a paediatrician, patients are reportedly referred to Capital Hospital or other healthcare facilities.
TB Department Without Specialist
The TB Department has also remained non-functional for a long time. A TB specialist who was posted at the hospital was transferred elsewhere nearly a year ago, leaving the department without a dedicated doctor.
There was also a plan to install a TrueNat machine for TB testing, but the facility is yet to become operational.
Frequent transfers of doctors and the lack of fresh appointments have added to concerns among patients and residents in the surrounding areas.
Palliative Care Centre to Open Soon
Amid the concerns, there is some relief for patients. A palliative care centre is scheduled to open at the hospital next week.
BMC is expected to inaugurate the facility, according to hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr S.S. Ray.
Dr Ray also said that the issue of doctor shortages is regularly discussed with the Khordha District Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer, with efforts being made to address the staffing problem.
